USA vs Portugal Game Thread

[Dawg61]

This game needs its own thread. Huge game for USA soccer. We can clinch a spot in the round of 16 today with a win over a very motivated Portugal who has a top 3 player in the world. Ghana played amazing yesterday to tie Germany 2-2 making USA's win look that much more impressive over Ghana. I thought Ghana played better than Germany and looked much faster.

http://static.comicvine.com/uploads/original/10/108099/2534033-soccer.jpg

[TheRef]

I agree. Portugal is without it's top defender (suspension) and their second-best defender (injury). Also, Ronaldo is playing on a bum knee according to reports. Portugal is quite possibly at its weakest.

US is without Jozy Altidore for the match. That's our only casualty thus far. Everyone else will be playing. We know that Dempsey broke his nose but he said he's going to play regardless. I tell you what....he's a warrior. Oh...and for laughs, I give you this.

http://cdn.fancred.com/9CXXjFF42Y/7QV9gsuKmjcIQUWbqow4K2N.jpg

[DudyDawg]

I'll keep an eye on lineups. Big question pre match is how effective will Ronaldo be. I fully expect him to play, but the question is for how long and how well. We can't be as poor today in the midfield, and Bradley must work harder to keep possession and be our creator on the counter

[TheRef]

I'll keep an eye on lineups. Big question pre match is how effective will Ronaldo be. I fully expect him to play, but the question is for how long and how well. We can't be as poor today in the midfield, and Bradley must work harder to keep possession and be our creator on the counter

The reason why Bradley struggles last game was because he collapsed the midfield diamond. He can't do that against Portugal.

[Dawg61]

Dempsey is a bad ass! Easily one of my favorites All-Time for USA. On a different note I'm glad the Ghana player that had his ass hanging out for the entire match got a second yellow and the world won't have to be subjected to 90 more minutes of that next match.

[DudyDawg]

Weather looks to be very hot and humid with a chance of rain

[DudyDawg]

Hopefully we can hold off on the #LeBroning this game and not have so many muscle injuries

[Dawg61]

Only #LeBroning I think we might see is from Ronaldo

[Dawgowar]

Only #LeBroning I think we might see is from Ronaldo

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII !!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[DudyDawg]

@ussoccer: #USMNT lineup: Howard; Johnson, Cameron, Besler, Beasley; Beckerman, Jones; Bedoya, Bradley, Zusi; Dempsey (c) http://t.co/Jm1BFMtIMw



Looks like it'll be Dempsey alone up top and likely with Bradley in a more attacking midfield role

[Dawgowar]

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII BELIEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEVEEEEE !!!!!!!!!!!

[Dawgowar]

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII BEEELIEEEEEEEEEVEEEEE THAAAAAAAAAAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[Dawgowar]

IIIIIIIIIIIII BELIEEEEEEEEEEVE THAAAAAT WE WILL WIN!

[DudyDawg]

Would expect jones to play deeper than he did against Ghana. More like a holding role next to beckerman with Zusi and Bedoya out wide and Bradley behind Dempsey. I like it. Should help us with possession

[Dawg61]

http://youtu.be/2uEpcfonkt4

[DudyDawg]

@ESPNFC: No chance CR7 was missing this.

#POR XI: Beto, Bruno Alves, Veloso, Ronaldo, Moutinho, Costa, Meireles, Nani, A. Almeida, Pereira, Postiga

[TheRef]

I'm back at Dave's for today's match. I hope everyone is at the same location as last time.

[Dawg61]

I'm back at Dave's for today's match. I hope everyone is at the same location as last time.

Yup same USA soccer shirt on and everything

[DudyDawg]

3 of the back 5 (including keeper) for Portugal are new. I think this game has some goals in it

[DudyDawg]

Intro video was bad ass!!! Kick off coming in about 10 minutes! USA USA USA



I

[CadaverDawg]

http://img.pandawhale.com/post-25067-And-Here-We-Go-Joker-gif-Imgur-x71M.gif

[CadaverDawg]

http://dj-bessi.do.am/Get_Crunk.gif

[CadaverDawg]

Wow. Terrible mistake by US.

1-0 Portugal

[Quaoarsking]

Well that was stupid.

[Dawg61]

Who was that for USA? That was a pathetic attempt

[War Machine Dawg]

And that's why you don't try to play for a tie and let the other team play on your end the whole way.

[mparkerfd20]

After watching a lot of soccer the last few days we are shitty.

[Rick Danko]

Looks like intensity is picking up alot

[DudyDawg]

Unfortunate to be down, but we look to have settled in and are starting to create some chances

[War Machine Dawg]

Looking better now, taken some good shots. Need one to find net.

[War Machine Dawg]

Looks like intensity is picking up alot

It's early, but I think we need to make this game very physical. Portugal's players are doing a whole lot of whining with minimal contact already. Methinks they're soft and contact will get in their heads. Just my uneducated observation.

[Dawg61]

Cameron is the USA goat

[Dawg61]

Uhhh so close by Bradley

[War Machine Dawg]

Uhhh so close by Bradley

No kidding, I thought it was going in. Damn.

[CadaverDawg]

Damn, they give Ronaldo that forearm push off and every benefit of the doubt call, don't they?

[War Machine Dawg]

Damn, they give Ronaldo that forearm push off and every benefit of the doubt call, don't they?

That's what happens when you're arguably the best player in the world. Ask MJ, Lebron, Tom Brady, Peyton Manning, etc.

[CadaverDawg]

Damn, that was going to be a goal!! So close

[War Machine Dawg]

DAMN. We're so f'n close to tying this.

[War Machine Dawg]

An offsides on Rinaldo? Wow, can't believe we got a call.

[War Machine Dawg]

Damn, had the break and didn't get in close for that shot. WTF was he thinking?

[CadaverDawg]

Holy shit, Johnson damn near upper 90'd that missile

[CadaverDawg]

Come on, guys, tie this thing up. If we hadn't made the early screw up we would be in good shape.

[War Machine Dawg]

Oh shit. Please don't let Jones be hurt.

[Pioneer Dawg]

****ing stupid to put a stadium in the rainforest.

[CadaverDawg]

He's good. Water break timeout of all things, ha

[War Machine Dawg]

HUGE save by Howard. *heart failure*

[War Machine Dawg]

****ing stupid to put a stadium in the rainforest.

THIS.

[Dawg61]

Tim Howard!!

[War Machine Dawg]

Cry me a river, TV color analyst. I've seen girls hit harder than that, and you're whining for a yellow card?

[CadaverDawg]

Halftime

1-0

[civildawg]

Dude I've seen yellow cards today issued for much less. That deserved a yellow card

[DudyDawg]

Cry me a river, TV color analyst. I've seen girls hit harder than that, and you're whining for a yellow card?

It wasn't the fact that he killed him, it's that it was intentional, after the ball was gone, and clearly not a play on the ball. We were lucky to get away with that. Maybe he felt sorry for Cameron for kicking like a 9 year old trying to clear it earlier

[CadaverDawg]

That guy that shanked that ball for us that allowed the goal would be stoned after the game if he were playing for Brazil

[DudyDawg]

Biggest change we need is a body in the box. REALLY missing Jozy right now. Wouldn't be surprised to see wondo or Johannson come in to provide a poacher in the box to push back the defense and open up some more space for creativity outside of the box. Space a bit cramped with no aerial threat up top to make that run.

[Pioneer Dawg]

That guy that shanked that ball for us that allowed the goal would be stoned after the game if he were playing for Brazil

Or Iran

[DudyDawg]

That guy that shanked that ball for us that allowed the goal would be stoned after the game if he were playing for Brazil

And quartered. Don't forget quartered

[CadaverDawg]

Is there any scenario where we can lose today and vs Germany and advance? Or will we have to at least tie 1?

[ScottH]

Is there any scenario where we can lose today and vs Germany and advance? Or will we have to at least tie 1?

I am a soccer novice but think I heard earlier on ESPN we had to tie one.

[CadaverDawg]

I am a soccer novice but think I heard earlier on ESPN we had to tie one.

Thanks, I'm pretty sure you're right. The Ghana tie with Germany made a tie a must

[War Machine Dawg]

Screw a tie, I want to to win and advance. No nail-biting third game pressure.

[Pioneer Dawg]

I urge everyone to tune into Univision for the match. Much more entertaining.

[DudyDawg]

We will need one more point at least to advance

[CadaverDawg]

Screw a tie, I want to to win and advance. No nail-biting third game pressure.

If we tie, we likely advance.

[CadaverDawg]

I would be extremely thrilled with a 1-1 tie in this game

[War Machine Dawg]

Are you ****ing kidding me?! FUUUUUUUUCK!!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

Oh my God. It must not be our night. How does that not go in!!

[Pioneer Dawg]

How do you miss that?!!!!

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Wow. Pitiful.

[CadaverDawg]

Fabian Johnson is a stud. Jermaine Jones looks good too.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Kick it anywhere in the goal BUT right at the guy standing in the middle. Really, anywhere else

[Dawg61]

Get lucky Portugal

[War Machine Dawg]

Hell of a play by Portugal to get in the way. But still. Damn. Just damn.

[Political Hack]

that sucked.

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

This is a reverse of the Ghana game.

[CadaverDawg]

Shank you very much, Ronaldo.

[War Machine Dawg]

GOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

What a ****ing shot!!!!!!!!

[Quaoarsking]

I'm not really a soccer fan or anything, but there's something about the USA scoring a goal that gets your blood pumping...

[Rick Danko]

JONES!!!!!

[Pioneer Dawg]

Holy goaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaal!!!

[Political Hack]

hell yeah!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

Holy smokes, that was unreal!

[Political Hack]

I'm not really a soccer fan or anything, but there's something about the USA scoring a goal that gets your blood pumping...

me too. love the World Cup. could care less about soccer the rest of the time.

[CadaverDawg]

Fabian Johnson is a stud. Jermaine Jones looks good too.

Me 8 minutes ago^^^^

Boom

Score one for the soccer rookie on the board

[Dawg61]

We are getting lucky with an off CR

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

GOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL LLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[War Machine Dawg]

I love the Teddy Roosevelt look-a-like. Awesome.

[Dawg61]

WHAT A STRIKE!!!! Sorry I'm slightly behind

[CadaverDawg]

Don't get sloppy, boys....settle down and get possession back

[War Machine Dawg]

me too. love the World Cup. could care less about soccer the rest of the time.

+1

[War Machine Dawg]

Don't get sloppy, boys....settle down and get possession back

For realz. Play smart. Time for the Stans Stall?

[CadaverDawg]

Gimili plays soccer too??!! What an athlete**

[CadaverDawg]

I have a bad feeling we are about to give up a goal. Play defense!!!

[War Machine Dawg]

I have a bad feeling we are about to give up a goal. Play defense!!!

Wouldn't be a shock. Lots of back-to-back goals in this WC so far. C'mon, guys, nut up!

[WeWonItAll(Most)]

Looks like we've gone into the standbury stall

[RougeDawg]

Looks like we completely go back to the Stan's Stall after we tie it up. We were keeping the ball on their end while in attack mode but now in puss prevent they are pressuring us constantly.

[Dawg61]

Gimili plays soccer too??!! What an athlete**

LMAO

[War Machine Dawg]

Looks like we've gone into the standbury stall

Much as I hate it, it's probably the right play.

Yellow card? Seriously? WTF?

[Dawg61]

Ronaldo is such a douche

[War Machine Dawg]

Damn. Another hammy. What the hell is going on with our team and hamstrings?

[CadaverDawg]

GOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAAALLLLLLL

[Dawg61]

YESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

USA USA USA USA USA

[Pioneer Dawg]

We take the lead!!!!!!!!!

Looked way off on naked eye

[War Machine Dawg]

GOOOOOOOOOOOOAAAAAAALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL!!!!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

DEMPSEY!!!!!!

[War Machine Dawg]

I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!
I BELIEVE THAT WE WILL WIN!!!!

[Dawg61]

I love Klinsmann

[Dawg61]

That Ref could kick everyones ass on that field

[RougeDawg]

Has Bradley ever played this shitty two consecutive games? His touches are horrid and are costing us a ton of possession.

[War Machine Dawg]

Has Bradley ever played this shitty two consecutive games? His touches are horrid and are costing us a ton of possession.

Ummmm.......ok.

[War Machine Dawg]

Argh, plus 4. This will be excruciatingly long.

[War Machine Dawg]

+5. WOW. I hate FIFA.

[CadaverDawg]

Jesus, no

[Pioneer Dawg]

****ing Bradley let that shit happen with his shitty ass effort

[Dawg61]

Unbelievable

[War Machine Dawg]

NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!

[CadaverDawg]

2-2

[War Machine Dawg]

You've gotta be ****ing kidding me. **** me.

[Dawg61]

Fu*king kidding me only had to survive 30 more seconds

[CadaverDawg]

Was that USA, or MSU? That's the type of gut wrenchers that happens to us

[Saltydog]

nt

[99jc]

Thats what happens when you go into the Rick Stansbury stall...Freakin idiots.

[War Machine Dawg]

Was that USA, or MSU? That's the type of gut wrenchers that happens to us

No kidding. Unreal.

[RougeDawg]

Ummmm.......ok.

You were saying??? Who's bad touch and loss of possession led to that last goal??? He's done that both games in critical spots. I'll just give you the benefit of the doubt that You must not be watching the games.

[War Machine Dawg]

Thats what happens when you go into the Rick Stansbury stall...Freakin idiots.

I can't blame that on the Stans Stall. Just a helluva play by Rinaldo. But damn. That was a dagger.

[Dawgface]

Like a last second 3 point basket to lose.

[Pioneer Dawg]

What's the tiebreaker after goal differential.


Lets say us and Ghana both have 4 pts and equal goal differential.

[Dawg61]

Is this next match vs Germany bigger than the hockey match vs Russia in 1980? Serious question.

[DudyDawg]

What's the tiebreaker after goal differential.


Lets say us and Ghana both have 4 pts and equal goal differential.

We go through

[Quaoarsking]

What's the tiebreaker after goal differential.


Lets say us and Ghana both have 4 pts and equal goal differential.

Overall goals scored, and then head-to-head.

[Pioneer Dawg]

That's on Bradley. He pussed out. Led to the goal.

[DudyDawg]

Is this next match vs Germany bigger than the hockey match vs Russia in 1980? Serious question.
No. Germany isn't as dominant as they were and the fact that we can go through even with a loss makes it less important

[messageboardsuperhero]

I ****ing hate FIFA right now... If they hadn't randomly added that extra minute of stoppage time after already putting up +4, we would have won...

[DawgSaint]

Wow! Snatched defeat from the jaws of victory

[CadaverDawg]

So if Portugal beats Ghana and we lose to Germany, it will come down to goal differential right? Wouldn't that put us in a great spot?

[DownwardDawg]

Wow! Snatched defeat from the jaws of victory

Well, we really snatched a tie from the jaws of victory.

[CadaverDawg]

When do the next 2 games take place? Same day?

[DawgSaint]

Well, we really snatched a tie from the jaws of victory.

Maybe so, but this tie feels like defeat. Thankfully do salvage a point.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Portugal is done. We are their biggest fans now. We need to have a gentlemans agreement with Germany to draw

[DudyDawg]

So if Portugal beats Ghana and we lose to Germany, it will come down to goal differential right? Wouldn't that put us in a great spot?

Yes. Portugal would have to win by four and us lose by two likely. We want Portugal to win

[DudyDawg]

When do the next 2 games take place? Same day?

Thursday I believe. The last games of each group are simultaneous in the group. They choreograph the games to kick literally within seconds so that no one gets an advantage

[Gordon Gekko]

I ****ing hate FIFA right now... If they hadn't randomly added that extra minute of stoppage time after already putting up +4, we would have won...

I've never understood why they don't stop the game clock when someone gets injured so the game always stop at 90 minutes and everyone knows exactly how much time is left.

I only watch soccer every four years so maybe there is a legit reason not to.

[Coach34]

Portugalllllllll!!!!!!

Yay babyyyyyyy

[DudyDawg]

I've never understood why they don't stop the game clock when someone gets injured so the game always stop at 90 minutes and everyone knows exactly how much time is left.

I only watch soccer every four years so maybe there is a legit reason not to.

Because then a team in the lead can have someone go down for ten minutes and let their team rest and get reset defensively. They scored that goal bc we were tired and with soccer being such a fitness based game stopping the clock would just allow people to take breaks and screw up the rhythm of the amen

[War Machine Dawg]

I ****ing hate FIFA right now... If they hadn't randomly added that extra minute of stoppage time after already putting up +4, we would have won...

Amen. As soon as I saw that I thought they were giving an extra minute just for Rinaldo. And of course he winds up being the one to bend us over.

[DudyDawg]

Amen. As soon as I saw that I thought they were giving an extra minute just for Rinaldo. And of course he winds up being the one to bend us over.

It's spelled Ronaldo. Just so you're aware

[War Machine Dawg]

It's spelled Ronaldo. Just so you're aware

My bad. Thought I'd seen it spelled with an "I" somewhere.

[messageboardsuperhero]

I'm new to this World Cup/soccer stuff, but it seems like we are Portugal's biggest fans right now. If they beat Ghana, we're in pretty good shape. If Ghana wins, we very likely could be in trouble. A tie seems like it would be the best case scenario though.

[DudyDawg]

I'm new to this World Cup/soccer stuff, but it seems like we are Portugal's biggest fans right now. If they beat Ghana, we're in pretty good shape. If Ghana wins, we very likely could be in trouble. A tie seems like it would be the best case scenario though.
Tie we are through, whether it is in our game or the Ghana one. Yes. We want Portugal to win. Mainly, we just need to not let Germany beat us by more than 3.

[Esmerelda Villalobos]

After all that, it ends in a tie.
Im trying to like the sport.

A tie.
A ****ing tie?

[TheRef]

I'm new to this World Cup/soccer stuff, but it seems like we are Portugal's biggest fans right now. If they beat Ghana, we're in pretty good shape. If Ghana wins, we very likely could be in trouble. A tie seems like it would be the best case scenario though.

USA Advances with a win/draw against Germany
Germany Advances with a win/draw against USA
Ghana Advances with a Win against Portugal and a favorable score differential compared to the loser of USA/Germany
Portugal Advances with a Win against Ghana and a favorable score differential compared to the loser of USA/Germany

[Gordon Gekko]

Because then a team in the lead can have someone go down for ten minutes and let their team rest and get reset defensively. They scored that goal bc we were tired and with soccer being such a fitness based game stopping the clock would just allow people to take breaks and screw up the rhythm of the amen

But they can do that now, the time just gets added to the end but know one knows exactly how much is left. All I'm saying is stop the clock so it's not a mystery as to exactly when the game is going to end.

At least that my understanding of it, again I'm a soccer novice.

[Dawg61]

Once it goes to 16 teams there won't be anymore ties

[DudyDawg]

But they can do that now, the time just gets added to the end but know one knows exactly how much is left. All I'm saying is stop the clock so it's not a mystery as to exactly when the game is going to end.

At least that my understanding of it, again I'm a soccer novice.

They can't do that because the running clock forces people to get the heck up. That's why the second someone goes down a stretcher comes out even for a head injury. It's to get them up and going. And it doesn't let the other 21 players get water and rest. They force them to get up because of the running clock.

[TheRef]

Once it goes to 16 teams there won't be anymore ties

Correct. Starting in the round of 16, you will have two golden goal halves and then a PK Shootout to determine the winner.

[DudyDawg]

I don't exactly get the hatred for ties. Why do y'all hate it? If two teams can't beat each other in the time, why pick a winner based off a tiny sample size. You should get what you get, not just say oh we tied lets just keep going

[curmudgeon]

So, head to head means nothing? Why wouldn't we want Ghana to win and just claim the head to head.

[messageboardsuperhero]

So, head to head means nothing? Why wouldn't we want Ghana to win and just claim the head to head.

I think head to head means something- just less than goal differential.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Correct. Starting in the round of 16, you will have two golden goal halves and then a PK Shootout to determine the winner.

It's not golden goal is it? I thought they played the full 30 if it goes to that.

[Pioneer Dawg]

So realistically what's our odds to advance now, 75-80%?

[TheRef]

It's not golden goal is it? I thought they played the full 30 if it goes to that.

You may be right....Now that I think about it, you are right because that's how we lost to Ghana last year.

[TheRef]

So realistically what's our odds to advance now, 75-80%?

Five-thirty-eight has calculated our odds of advancing to be 76%

http://fivethirtyeight.com/interactives/world-cup/

[DudyDawg]

Golden goal=sudden death. It's no longer golden goal. It is two fifteen minute halves, and if score is still tied, whether 10 goals or no goals were scored, it goes to penalties

[nsvltndog]

I'd sure like to understand how they went from adding 4 minutes to adding 5 minutes. That obviously turned into a game impacting decision.

[DudyDawg]

I'd sure like to understand how they went from adding 4 minutes to adding 5 minutes. That obviously turned into a game impacting decision.

It was bc of how long it took us to sub Zusi off. Fourth official deemed it worth adding time

[Dawg61]

It was bc of how long it took us to sub Zusi off. Fourth official deemed it worth adding time

Correct Klinsmann tried to steal a minute and waited for extra time to be put up to do the sub and FIFA caught it

[mstatefan91]

Damn that game is a hard one to digest. Still kind of shell shocked

[mstatefan91]

We should sign an agreement with Germany that we agree to a draw. lol

[Dawg61]

We should sign an agreement with Germany that we agree to a draw. lol

Germany doesn't follow agreements very well history tells us

[Bucky Dog]

Im no soccer fan but dont have the hate for it like some. The guys are incredible athletes but it is a little boring. With that said i sneak some peeks during WC and Olympics, but dont pretend to understand strategy. But why in the world did Bradley try to pass laterally with :30 to go instead of just kicking the shit out of it through the far end? Is there some kind of delay of game penalty or something if he did that? No way Portugal gets the ball the full length of the field and given the fact the US could set up defensively.

[TheRef]

Bradley had a LOT of boneheaded plays the past few games. Bad thing is, he usually isn't like this. He's usually a good rock in the midfield to play off of. He could've kicked the crap out of it to the other end, but I don't know what Jurgen told them.

[DudyDawg]

Frankly I just think he couldn't get it our from under his feet. But he's not the reason they scored. Our right back and center back on the right side had one runner to cover and lost him. No way he should get open there. But you play in those conditions for that long and you lose focus. That being said, we still are in good shape

[Dawg61]

Bradley also had a 3rd goal with nothing but open net and just one defender 10 feet in front of him and he kicked it straight at the guy. Cameron had the biggest mistake of the match though to give up that easy first goal with his miss kick. We relaxed 30 seconds too early and Ronaldo made a very clutch assist. Ronaldo made up for his shitty match with that one pass. Ugh so frustrating. That was the latest goal in the history of the World Cup. That's what tied it today. A goal for the history books for Portugal. Lucky fu*kers!

[gtowndawg]

right when I was convinced it was actually going to happen, we blow it. Frustrating.

As Jurgen said, "we just have to do it the tough way now."

[mstatefan91]

Bradley also had a 3rd goal with nothing but open net and just one defender 10 feet in front of him and he kicked it straight at the guy. Cameron had the biggest mistake of the match though to give up that easy first goal with his miss kick. We relaxed 30 seconds too early and Ronaldo made a very clutch assist. Ronaldo made up for his shitty match with that one pass. Ugh so frustrating. That was the latest goal in the history of the World Cup. That's what tied it today. A goal for the history books for Portugal. Lucky fu*kers!

Funny thing is that it won't make a bit of difference for Portugal unless they can score 5 or more against Ghana. Not likely

[DudyDawg]

Funny thing is that it won't make a bit of difference for Portugal unless they can score 5 or more against Ghana. Not likely

Then again, anything can happen if you have the best player in the world on your team. I hope they win 2-0.

[Irondawg]

Yep, I still don't understand why Bradley didn't attempt a clear there, heck kick the crap out of it horizontally out of bounds and steal 15 seconds. But that was also teh equivalent of your two deep safeties letting a man get behind them on a hail Mary at the end of a football game. Just two terrible plays by us and a fantasic play by them

[Pioneer Dawg]

The whole country knows what it feels like to be a Dawg now though.

[whosyourdawgy]

Then again, anything can happen if you have the best player in the world on your team. I hope they win 2-0.

I thought Messi played for Argentina.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Is Cameron always a starter? Get him out of there vs Germany

[whosyourdawgy]

Yep, I still don't understand why Bradley didn't attempt a clear there, heck kick the crap out of it horizontally out of bounds and steal 15 seconds. But that was also teh equivalent of your two deep safeties letting a man get behind them on a hail Mary at the end of a football game. Just two terrible plays by us and a fantasic play by them

Yup that's why we made the substitution that added the 5th minute was to get the extra defender in there. Then they give a free run for a header??? Great assist by Ronaldo though. Tough tough way to not win a match.

[DudyDawg]

I thought Messi played for Argentina.
I'm a Madrid fan, so I'm biased, but I really do think Ronaldo is better mainly bc he is a complete scorer. He's the best jumper, fastest, and strongest player on the field in every game he plays. So I think it makes him more complete. Rarely see messi win a header against a center back or score a weak footed shot from distance. Plus he did just win the world player of the year and wet the champions league record for goals

[mstatefan91]

I'm a Madrid fan, so I'm biased, but I really do think Ronaldo is better mainly bc he is a complete scorer. He's the best jumper, fastest, and strongest player on the field in every game he plays. So I think it makes him more complete. Rarely see messi win a header against a center back or score a weak footed shot from distance. Plus he did just win the world player of the year and wet the champions league record for goals

I would like Ronaldo if he didn't flop so much. That's probably why I like Messi more. He only goes down if he is forced to go down otherwise he's going to keep fighting to get to the ball.

[DudyDawg]

I would like Ronaldo if he didn't flop so much. That's probably why I like Messi more. He only goes down if he is forced to go down otherwise he's going to keep fighting to get to the ball.

I think that Ronaldo has stopped with flopping as badly. He was terrible about it early in his career but now he's a lot better. He does still go down sometimes easily, but he rarely feigns injury now. I think he realized that was holding him back as far as respect goes

[mstatefan91]

I think that Ronaldo has stopped with flopping as badly. He was terrible about it early in his career but now he's a lot better. He does still go down sometimes easily, but he rarely feigns injury now. I think he realized that was holding him back as far as respect goes

He did it a couple of times tonight but at least he didn't roll around for a full minute. I'll give you that. It's still annoying and has no real place in the game. Flopping should be carded.

[smootness]

Is Cameron always a starter? Get him out of there vs Germany

Cameron was phenomenal against Ghana and had a very good game tonight after the huge mistake. Obviously it's a massive mistake and it cost us dearly, but it was one mistake that honestly anyone can make.

He is way too good to sit the bench. We would instantly be much worse defensively with him out.

[Pioneer Dawg]

Cameron was phenomenal against Ghana and had a very good game tonight after the huge mistake. Obviously it's a massive mistake and it cost us dearly, but it was one mistake that honestly anyone can make.

He is way too good to sit the bench. We would instantly be much worse defensively with him out.

He could have prevented the last goal too.

[smootness]

I'm a Madrid fan, so I'm biased, but I really do think Ronaldo is better mainly bc he is a complete scorer. He's the best jumper, fastest, and strongest player on the field in every game he plays. So I think it makes him more complete. Rarely see messi win a header against a center back or score a weak footed shot from distance. Plus he did just win the world player of the year and wet the champions league record for goals

Cristiano Ronaldo has ridiculous talent, and he's almost a soccer machine. If you wanted to build a soccer player, you'd build Ronaldo.

But for whatever reason, I think that holds him back some. He is faster than everyone else, strong, tall, has skills, etc. And he can beat you with those. But there's almost a magic when Messi plays. And the reason I love soccer is that it allows for that magic to happen. No one can mesmerize you on the baseball field or on the basketball court, or really even on the football field, at least not the way you can on the soccer pitch.

I watched a Ronaldinho highlight video earlier today, and there's just something that the great ones have that nobody else has, and I don't think Ronaldo has it.

Obviously that was a very subjective, vague explanation. But honestly, Messi is far and away the greatest dribbler I've ever seen, and that is 90% of soccer. He also has a ridiculous shot that he doesn't have to break out all that often because of his dribbling, but we saw it against Iran. He doesn't have as many different talents as Ronaldo does, but the talents he does have are transcendent, and they make him the toughest player in the world to stop, if you ask me.

Ronaldo can't dribble through traffic the way Messi does, and he doesn't have quite the passing touch. His game is about speed, size, and power. Which is great. It just isn't quite as good as Messi's control and absolutely ridiculous touch.

[DudyDawg]

The first goal was obviously his fault. The second was about half. The right back needs to be on his back shoulder stopping tbag runner. Cameron is our most talented defender, the problem is he is usually a left back at club level and little runs like the second goal are runs he doesn't deal with day in and out as a left back

[smootness]

He could have prevented the last goal too.

True, but that could be said of 4 or 5 of our defenders. Everyone should have been sprinting to the back line and into the box the second we turned it over there since Portugal only had one last chance. Everyone was caught ball-watching. It wasn't a good play by us, and certainly Cameron is included in that.

But it happens in soccer, there are breakdowns. Cameron and Besler are far and away our two best center backs. We brought Omar Gonzalez in late in that match; he is awful. John Anthony Brooks looked great in that Ghana match, but he also had a nearly disastrous mistake early in that second half and didn't look great in his other national team appearances. He's just not as dependable.

If you're giving me one guy on our team to stand back there on the back line and take away scoring opportunities, I'm picking Cameron; tonight's mistakes don't change that.

[DudyDawg]

Cristiano Ronaldo has ridiculous talent, and he's almost a soccer machine. If you wanted to build a soccer player, you'd build Ronaldo.

But for whatever reason, I think that holds him back some. He is faster than everyone else, strong, tall, has skills, etc. And he can beat you with those. But there's almost a magic when Messi plays. And the reason I love soccer is that it allows for that magic to happen. No one can mesmerize you on the baseball field or on the basketball court, or really even on the football field, at least not the way you can on the soccer pitch.

I watched a Ronaldinho highlight video earlier today, and there's just something that the great ones have that nobody else has, and I don't think Ronaldo has it.

Obviously that was a very subjective, vague explanation. But honestly, Messi is far and away the greatest dribbler I've ever seen, and that is 90% of soccer. He also has a ridiculous shot that he doesn't have to break out all that often because of his dribbling, but we saw it against Iran. He doesn't have as many different talents as Ronaldo does, but the talents he does have are transcendent, and they make him the toughest player in the world to stop, if you ask me.

Ronaldo can't dribble through traffic the way Messi does, and he doesn't have quite the passing touch. His game is about speed, size, and power. Which is great. It just isn't quite as good as Messi's control and absolutely ridiculous touch.

I would call Ronaldo just as good of a dribbler, just a different style. Messi uses small touches to just out run people and Ronaldo uses bigger ones and moves to get past them. When in the mood, Ronaldo can be just as memorizing, but I know what you mean. Messi picking the ball up in midfield and making those runs does seem magic. I just think they have a different style that is so awesome to watch and talk about the contrast. IMO, no one on the planet can argue against Ronaldo having the best shot on the planet. When he hits a free kick or a ball from distance correctly, no one is saving it. Hell, his weak foot is better than a lot of players strong ones.

[smootness]

I would call Ronaldo just as good of a dribbler, just a different style. Messi uses small touches to just out run people and Ronaldo uses bigger ones and moves to get past them. When in the mood, Ronaldo can be just as memorizing, but I know what you mean. Messi picking the ball up in midfield and making those runs does seem magic. I just think they have a different style that is so awesome to watch and talk about the contrast. IMO, no one on the planet can argue against Ronaldo having the best shot on the planet. When he hits a free kick or a ball from distance correctly, no one is saving it. Hell, his weak foot is better than a lot of players strong ones.

I think Ronaldo was a born goal-scorer (make a few moves, fly past people, and power the ball into the net) where Messi has more influence overall on the attack (again, just my opinion there). Ronaldo is certainly a great dribbler, but I don't think he can compare to Messi there.

I'm definitely biased as well as I simply don't like Ronaldo or the way he plays (going down, whining, etc.). I'm more of a Barcelona fan, and I've always liked Argentina where I've never liked Portugal. But even trying to remove the bias, I'm still going with Messi. I think he has a chance to cement his place alongside Pele and Maradona if Argentina takes this World Cup.

But overall, I just love the South American style of soccer, save the faking injuries and wasting time at the end of matches. I would rather watch Brazilians dribble around the pitch and put on a show while tying 1-1 than see someone like Germany clinically win 4-0. Just the way it is.

I never got fully into soccer until I watched Ronaldinho. He transformed the game for me and made me realize what it could be. I've always liked Brazil, but even the dominance of Ronaldo (the original) couldn't captivate me the way Ronaldinho did.

[DudyDawg]

I suppose we could argue Ronaldo and messi all night haha so to each his own. As for ronaldinho, yes. He is amazing. So many moves today that are common were invented by him, in games, of the top of his head and all of these guys copied them growing up. There are only a few guys like that. Pele was one too. He was one of the first to start doing moves without touching the ball and it revolutionized the game. He revolutionized goal scoring just like ronaldinho revolutionized creativity. I think there are about five guys who revolutionized the game, and those two, along with Zidane, Beckenbauer, Maradona are on that short list. I've seen videos of people literally crying because they touched Pele and Ronaldinho. It's amazing. And I agree, the South American style of pure attack, flare, and basically dancing with the ball is awesome. It's called the beautiful game because of teams like that

[smootness]

I suppose we could argue Ronaldo and messi all night haha so to each his own. As for ronaldinho, yes. He is amazing. So many moves today that are common were invented by him, in games, of the top of his head and all of these guys copied them growing up. There are only a few guys like that. Pele was one too. He was one of the first to start doing moves without touching the ball and it revolutionized the game. He revolutionized goal scoring just like ronaldinho revolutionized creativity. I think there are about five guys who revolutionized the game, and those two, along with Zidane, Beckenbauer, Maradona are on that short list. I've seen videos of people literally crying because they touched Pele and Ronaldinho. It's amazing. And I agree, the South American style of pure attack, flare, and basically dancing with the ball is awesome. It's called the beautiful game because of teams like that

Yep, agreed on all of that.

It's the reason I'm enthralled with Neymar. He doesn't move like anybody else. In fact, a lot of the things he does seem almost as though they're awkward or out-of-control, like a teenager learning to use what is suddenly a taller, lankier body. But it works. He doesn't look like a machine, but he's always where he intends to be and the ball is often there with him. He plays the way that feels natural to him, as though he never went through academies and just picked up a ball and tried to figure out his own way of kicking it around.

The goal he scored for Santos (not sure if you've seen it, but it's all over youtube, was up for Goal of the Year in either 2012 or 2013) is one of the most ridiculous things I've ever seen. He was running full speed, stopped the ball while still moving his body forward and flicked it on the opposite side of the goalie almost simultaneously while running around the other side; then met up with the ball again and kicked it in as the defender arrived to take him out. And again, that's what I love about soccer. Some people will just run full speed and drill the ball 100 MPH; others will pass to their teammate for a give-and-go; still others will send it out wide for a cross into the box. And about one player every generation will do what Neymar did, but they all work to try to accomplish the exact same thing. Nobody would ever teach you to go about scoring a goal the way Neymar did there, and that's the beauty of it; you can't teach that, you either have it in you or you don't.

There's only one way to catch a fly ball and throw out the runner. There's only one way to catch a pass and run toward the endzone. But there are a million ways to get that soccer ball into the net.

I wouldn't say soccer is my favorite sport. I love football, baseball, basketball, just about anything. And I love them all for what they are. But I have to say, I'd rather watch a player like Ronaldinho, Messi, or Neymar play soccer over anybody else in any other sport (aside from possibly VT and early Atlanta Michael Vick).

[DudyDawg]

Think you hit the nail on the head. That's why I love the game. It can be fast, slow, beautiful, ugly and more all in a span of minutes

[hacker]

soccer has moved up to my second favorite sport, I think. This World Cup is exhilarating. It's so much better when your country actually competes. I've been educating myself on Messi and others via youtube.

[DudyDawg]

If you want to fall in love, watch one Barcelona- Real Madrid game. That'll make it your favorite sport due to the intensity and hate alone, whether you have a rooting interest or not. Plus, it involves two of the world's best players, on two of the world's best teams, with both the teams and players having two polar opposite styles.

[TheRef]

If you want to fall in love, watch one Barcelona- Real Madrid game. That'll make it your favorite sport due to the intensity and hate alone, whether you have a rooting interest or not. Plus, it involves two of the world's best players, on two of the world's best teams, with both the teams and players having two polar opposite styles.

Ah el clasico.....You can watch that or the Man U - Chelsea match....that's another good rivalry.

[RougeDawg]

The reason we lost is our horrific first touches, Bradley being the main one and reason we lost possession right before that final goal. Bradley has been off in both games with his initial touch and possession of the ball. He even looked like shit on the shots he had in front of goal. He Was not striking any ball solid and always off side of foot. Either he's lost his game or this stage is too big for him in the absence of Landon Donovan. He's just not the same player these last two games for some reason.

[hacker]

If you want to fall in love, watch one Barcelona- Real Madrid game. That'll make it your favorite sport due to the intensity and hate alone, whether you have a rooting interest or not. Plus, it involves two of the world's best players, on two of the world's best teams, with both the teams and players having two polar opposite styles.

when do they play? I don't know anything about normal soccer seasons / schedules

[DudyDawg]

I don't thing that Landon has anything to do with it. I agree that he hasn't been as good as usual, but I would attribute a lot of it to not having Jozy. When any of our midfielders are in trouble, they play a ball to him, and being the physical freak that he is, he holds it and gets it settled and back to them to posses. Without him, there is no safety net, and I think that has affected Bradley the most. When your creator has no safety net, he has no consistent outlet and tries to do too much. Thats his problem right now is that he is forcing it a bit. As for the last goal, it was far from being on bradley. Thats on Cameron and Johnson not controlling that runner. If you look at it, when Bradley turned that ball over there were five defenders on our half and two attackers.

[TheRef]

when do they play? I don't know anything about normal soccer seasons / schedules

The next season schedule hasn't been released yet, but when it is I'll tell you.

[DudyDawg]

when do they play? I don't know anything about normal soccer seasons / schedules

The European seasons are all from August to May, and I believe their first league meeting will be in October. The schedule hasn't been released yet, but I will try to post it when I see it.

[Intramural All-American]

A few must see clips

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3ECoR__tJNQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RU9bjNvPCVg

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ck5P30zC3Z0

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDzROeD9fGU

[DudyDawg]

Man, Roberto Carlos has to be the best attacking left back in history. Love him (again, Real fan). His left foot was one of the best as far as curve and ability to whip in a cross.